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“All I know is that years ago, there were rumors that the ranch was lost in a weekly poker game. Ronald Thomas is cold and vindictive. Paul Bradley is a drunk who liked women. I don’t know the whole story, but the rumors were that Ronald decided to get even with Paul for having an affair with his wife.
“He’d always wanted the ranch, so he got him drunk, and the stupid man gambled away his family’s home. Some men would have made a payment plan for him to pay him back, but Ronald wanted Paul and his family out as soon as possible. After they left town the rumors died down. Except for the one about Ronald and his wife. Not long after the supposed affair, she passed away. I often wondered if she was killed, but no one investigated her death.”
Dear God, that could explain what happened.
“I don’t have any proof of any of this. This is all hearsay,” his father said. “And is not admissible in court.”
How in the world had he and Cal become attracted to the one person they should never associate with?
How could he tell Lillian that her grandfather had gambled away their land and cheated on her grandmother? And what about Ronald’s wife? Did he kill her?
“Is there any place I can find documentation that backs up these rumors?”
“Not that I know of. You’re going to have to get the parties to confess to these crimes. I would start with Paul. He’s the one who lost the most in this deal,” his father told him.
“His life has certainly spiraled,” Nathan said. For the next few moments, he told his father about how he and Lillian had located where her grandfather lived. How stunned they were at the horrible place he was living.
“You and Lillian?” his father asked.
“It’s really complicated, Dad. We met her at the wedding, had sex with her that night. Moved her into the house and then we learned who she was and why she was here. So now I’m running interference between her and Cal. She wants the ranch back and Cal is not willing to give up the place that brought him peace.”
His father chuckled. “You’re in quite the pickle. Maybe you should just marry her. Then everyone gets what they want.”
“Believe me, it’s crossed my mind. If it wasn’t for the ranch situation, I think she would be the one. But now I’m trying to work with Cal and protect his interests and keep an eye on Lillian,” he said. “And I really like her, Dad. More than I liked Emily. Way more.”
The phone line was silent for a moment. “Do you think she’s the one?”
Oh God, how he wished he knew the answer to this question. “All I know is that she fits in well with me and Cal. It’s easy. Even with the stress of her wanting to know what happened, it’s been easier than with any other woman. And yet the sex is so damn hot, it’s a wonder we don’t set the house on fire.”
He didn’t normally tell his father much about his sex life, but he’d never had the same experience he was having with Lillian and Cal.
“Son, I hope she’s the one you’re looking for. I hope you can resolve this problem and that the three of you will be very happy.”
But the Sweet B was a problem they had to resolve before they went any further.
His mother spoke on the line. “Nathan? Have you found someone you’re serious about?”
“I think so, Mom. I’ll let Dad tell you about it. I know it’s late there and it’s really early here. Are you having a good time?”
“It’s been wonderful, son, but if we need to come home because you’re getting married, let me know and we’ll take the next flight out,” she said.
That was his mother for you. Ready to drop everything and run to her son’s side if needed.
“Enjoy your vacation, Mom. I’ve found someone, but we’ve just met, and things are complicated.”
“Are you in love with her?”
His heart surged with emotion, and he felt strange.
“Yes, I’m falling in love with her. But everything could blow up in my face tomorrow. I’m not ready to propose or set a date. I just want things to work out before I say anything because I’m not going to go through what I did the last time.”
Lillian didn’t have a father, but he knew her family and the women who supported her were strong individuals. Would they accept Cal, the grandson of Ronald Thomas, the man who destroyed their world?
“You’re sure we don’t need to come home?”
He laughed. “I’m positive. Don’t come home. Enjoy this time in Europe. You deserve it.”
His mother sighed on the other end. “If you need us, you know we’ll come straight home.”
